From winter jogging to skiing, winter sports can be tricky without the proper clothing and gear. How do you choose the right winter sports clothes?
Do you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating? If you do enjoy these winter sports or any other outdoor activity during the winter, chances are you need winter clothing.
Cold weather doesn't have to put a freeze on your outdoor fun or your style. Finding the right winter sports clothes can help you perform better and enjoy your sport to the fullest.
Keep reading to learn what you should consider when choosing the best sportswear for winter.
What Are Winter Sports?
For some areas of the world, winter sports are the same as summer sports because their climate's seasons do not differ much. However, for the rest of the world, winter cold snaps mean the beginning of winter sports.
Common winter sports are those that can only be played in cold conditions like snow skiing, sledding, snowboarding, and ice skating.
However, sports you may enjoy in the summer, like running or jogging, can also be enjoyed in the winter.
Playing winter sports is a great way to stay healthy and active all year round.
What Are Winter Sports Clothes?
Winter sports clothes are winter clothes designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable while being active. These clothes are typically found in layers of moisture-wicking, insulating, and weather-resistant.
Even though the temperatures outside may be dropping, it is important to remember that while you are playing winter sports, you are increasing your internal temperature.
This fluctuation in temperature is why it is vital to wear winter clothing in multiple layers. You can take layers of clothing off when you warm up.
Winter sports clothes also typically offer protection from the cold to your extremities. Hats, gloves, and scarves keep exposed areas of your body comfortable while participating in winter sports.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Winter Sports Clothes
When choosing the right winter sports clothes, you can make the process easier for yourself by considering the following:
- The sport
- The climate
- The terrain
- The needed level of protection
These are all aspects of winter sports that will affect what type of winter clothing will keep you warm, safe, and dry.
The Sport
Depending on what winter sport you want to participate in, your winter clothing needs may vary. You would not wear the same clothes for winter running as you would snowboarding or winter swimming.
For example, sports like skiing typically require skiing clothes and skiing outerwear.
Ski jackets and ski pants are usually water-resistant or waterproof, and they include snow-specific features that keep you warm and keep snow out of unwanted places.
Other winter sports may not take place in the snow like skiing or snowboarding, but they still require specialty clothing like swimming.
When winter swimming, using an insulated wetsuit can make your activity much more enjoyable and safer by keeping you warm.
The Climate
The climate you will be in is another aspect to consider when choosing sportswear for winter.
How cold is where you are playing winter sports? Is there a lot of snow? Does it rain often? When you answer these questions, you will better understand how to choose the proper winter clothing.
For example, if your area's climate is very windy and often rains during the winter, investing in a waterproof and windproof outer layer will be vital to your enjoyment of winter sports.
If your climate's winter days begin very cold but gradually warm-up, wearing light layers is important. You won't need the heavily insulated outer layers as the day progresses.
The Terrain
Rugged outdoor winter sports in harsh mountain areas like backcountry skiing or mountain hiking require different winter clothes than their less rough counterparts.
If you find yourself in rough terrain, heavy-duty winter boots and moisture-wicking socks will be a vital key to your success.
Although a good pair of sneakers may work for other winter sports, boots will be the best choice in this scenario.
The Needed Level of Protection
The right winter clothing choice can also depend on if you are participating in a high-impact or low-impact winter sport. High-impact winter sports include skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and ice skating.
Injuries are more common in high-impact sports, so when you add other risks like snow and ice, high-impact winter sports require a greater level of protective gear than low-impact winter sports.
Wearing protective clothing with extra padding and support when playing high-impact winter sports can help prevent injury.
UV Protective Clothing in the Winter
It makes sense that you would need to wear UV-blocking clothing in the summer, but UV rays still can cause skin damage during the winter.
There are different types of UV radiation: Ultraviolet A, Ultraviolet B, and Ultraviolet C. UVB rays, the ones that cause sunburns, are strongest in the summer season, but they still exist during the winter.
If your winter sports take place in the snow, it is important to keep in mind that the snow reflects a large portion of the UV rays. This means that you are being affected by the sun's UV light twice as much.
Sports that take place in higher altitudes, such as the mountains, are also at an increased risk of UVB rays.
Wearing UV protective clothing while participating in outdoor winter sports can add an extra level of protection against sun damage and skin cancer.
Enjoy Winter Sports with the Right Clothes
Investing in the right winter sports clothes doesn't just keep you warm and dry. It also can help you look good, feel good, and perform better.
We at BloqUV know how important staying safe and comfortable during your outdoor activities is to you, and we are dedicated to providing you with moisture-wicking, breathable, and moveable pieces of clothing.
Check out our full line of UPF clothing, or contact us today for more information.